Issues need to be resolved if Vintage returns to Goodwood - calls
Planning and environmental issues must be resolved before another Vintage at Goodwood spectacular takes place, a West Sussex county councillor is warning.
Cllr Mike Hall, whose Chichester north county division includes the whole of the 12,000-acre Goodwood estate, said the concept of the event was marvellous, and he was not against it.
But some areas which should have been covered within the local government planning process were not, and as a result there were problems which provoked complaints from local people about levels of noise and hours of operation.
"The event should have had planning permission, and gone through the normal planning process first," said Cllr Hall.
"This would have covered such things as excavation and reprofiling of land in the new National Park, occupying a very prominent position on the downs."
One reason why the music caused so much disturbance locally was the elevated nature of the site.
Had a planning application been submitted, prior to the event this would have been taken into consideration during consultation, involving bodies such as the National Park Authority and local parish councils.
This would have brought to light issues such as the fact the main
stage and music speakers on this elevated site were facing south – where most people lived.
He also questioned why the event went on until 2am when other music and entertainment events in the Chichester area had to finish by midnight.
Cllr Hall said it was essential that a recently submitted retrospective planning application went before the district council's northern area development control committee for a decision.
He added: "Consultations with local people prior to the determination, and meaningful discussions, should take place with all concerned, as has been the normal practice with all past Goodwood events.
"If this event is to continue successfully in the future then it is essential that this year's failings are addressed."
All he was asking was that transparency, consideration and reasonableness was given to the local communities.
Anyone who was upset by the late night noise, particularly if they cared for an elderly or sick relative or neighbour, should inform the district environmental health department.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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